Course Details

This course is designed to develop qualified firearms instructors who can manage and conduct firearms training programs for semi-automatic pistols, pistol mounted optics, patrol rifles, and shotguns. Officers will be trained in contemporary firearms techniques, equipment, and accessories and will participate in a variety of combat shooting drills including drawing techniques, safe loading and unloading procedures, proper use of cover, immediate actions, engagement of multiple targets, and a variety of other shooting problems. The subject matter will include: safety, range operation, ballistics, instructional techniques, instructor liability, low light firing, range organization, pistol mounted optics, weapons maintenance, equipment selection and marksmanship fundamentals of semi-automatic pistols, shotguns, and patrol rifles. 

There are 2 Prerequisite Tests on the morning of the first day. READ the Course Special Notes for descriptions of the Prerequisite Tests.

Officers must be Certified and Sworn Law Enforcement, and possess a POST General, or Level 2, Instructor Certification. Please Note: The graduation certificate from the Instructor Training Course is not sufficient to demonstrate Instructor Certification status with POST.  The certification status must be verifiable in the POST Database Gateway.

Additionally, officers will be required to score 90% or higher on the Georgia Semi-Automatic Pistol Course (GSAC 21), and a 90% or higher on the Patrol Rifle Prerequisite Test, on the first day of the class.  GPSTC will NOT provide the ammo for the Prerequisite Tests on day one.  Officers must bring a minimum of 60 rounds of pistol ammunition and 20 rounds of rifle ammunition for their attempts.

Semi-auto patrol rifle requirements: (PRIOR TO ARRIVAL, THE RIFLE MUST BE CHAMBERED IN 5.56 and ZEROED AT 50 YARDS.)

There are 2 Prerequisite Tests on the morning of the first day. Both Prerequisite Tests MUST be passed on the morning of Day 1 to continue through the course. (Read the following for descriptions:)

The Pistol Prerequisite Test is the GSAC 21, and must be passed with a 90% or better score. SQTA1 targets will be scored as follows: All hits within center mass perforated scoring lines will receive a 10 point value. Hits within body torso, but outside the perforated scoring lines will receive a 8 point value. Head shots will only count when applicable during the GSAC 21 course of fire.

The Patrol Rifle Prerequisite Test must be passed with a 90% or better score. The test consists of 10 rounds fired from the 50 yard line. Starting at a standing position, when the targets turn, the officer will move to a prone position and have 1 minute to fire 10 rounds into the SQTA1 target. The SQTA1 target will be scored as follows: All hits within center mass perforated scoring lines will receive a 10 point value. Hits within body torso, but outside the perforated scoring lines will receive a five point value.  All head shots will count as a miss. 

Officers are also required to bring a semi-auto pistol with or without a weapon mounted light or mounted optic, agency-issued duty belt and holster, (holster must have at least level 2 retention), double magazine pouch, three magazines, semi-auto patrol rifle with a sling, (RIFLE MUST BE CHAMBERED IN 5.56 and ZEROED AT 50 YARDS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL), three rifle magazines, rifle magazine pouch, shotgun with a sling, shotgun shell holders, hand-held light, ear protection, eye protection, and a hat with a brim. Ammunition will be provided in calibers: 9mm, 40 SW, 45 ACP, 5.56, and 12 gauge. Students requiring any other calibers must contact the coordinator for the correct round count. 

Please Note: Upon successful completion of the course, an additional application processes will be required to obtain the Firearms Instructor Certification status with POST.

If there are any questions or equipment needed, please contact the course coordinator by email.